Volunteers needed to help with International Overdose Awareness Day - August 31, 2025

Volunteers needed!!

Volunteers needed to help with International
Overdose Awareness Day - August 31, 2025

As part of International Overdose Awareness Day, SAFE will work with community members to plant memorial flag displays  in Franklin, Medway, Norfolk, and Wrentham, where each flag represents one of the 1,763 lives lost in Massachusetts to overdose last year. 

We will be placing flags in each town from 9–11 AM on Friday, Aug. 29, and removing flags from 9–11 AM Tuesday, Sept. 2. 

Learn more and sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/safeoad

Send questions to info@safecoalitionma.org

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1AppLkAL36/

Ali Rheaume to present session virtually on Disability Awareness - Aug 27, 2025

Via Ali Rheaume

Ali Rheaume to present session virtually
on Disability Awareness - Aug 27, 2025

I'll be presenting this and highly encourage attending to learn more about:

• handicap parking
• handicap restroom stalls
• supporting people who navigate disability
• socializing with people navigating disability

Register free: https://biama.org/event/guest-lecture-series-disability-awareness-virtual/

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ZtTduj8Ax/

"In today’s world, awareness is key"

"In today’s world, awareness is key"

"The Turkish proverb reminds us that sometimes we fail to see the bigger picture, allowing ourselves to be swayed by influences that aren’t in our best interest. The axe, cleverly disguised as one of the trees, represents how easy it is to be fooled when we are not paying attention. The lesson is clear: always question who benefits from the choices we make and whether we are being led by wisdom or manipulation.

In today’s world, awareness is key. By staying conscious of the systems and influences around us, we can protect ourselves and make decisions that are truly in our best interest. "

The evolution of the supposed "Turkish proverb" (it is not) is an interesting story to read. It is reported to have originated in the Babylonian Talmud. https://quoteinvestigator.com/2025/02/09/trees-axe/

Image shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DLXPxjUstai/

U.S. Reps. Auchincloss, Boyle, and Lawler Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Designate November 2024 as Lung Cancer Awareness Month

U.S. Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA), and Mike Lawler (R-NY) introduced a bipartisan resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives to designate November 2024 as Lung Cancer Awareness Month. The initiative aims to draw attention to the importance of prevention, early detection, and research to curb lung cancer, which remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. In the United States Senate, the resolution is led by Senator Tina Smith (D-MN).

"Lung-cancer screening saves lives. The difference between early and late detection of a tumor is often a matter of life and death," said Rep. Auchincloss. "Washington needs to do more to advance awareness of screening and to support research and clinical care."

Bipartisan Resolution to Designate November 2024 as Lung Cancer Awareness Month

"Lung cancer impacts families and communities across the country. This resolution is an important step in raising awareness, encouraging preventative measures, and supporting groundbreaking research to save lives," said Rep. Boyle. "By coming together, we can ensure more Americans have access to the tools and resources needed to combat this devastating disease."

"Lung cancer is the deadliest and one of the most common forms of cancer," said Rep. Lawler. "We simply must do more to raise awareness and combat this deadly disease. That's why I'm joining Congressman Brendan Boyle in introducing a bipartisan resolution recognizing November as National Lung Cancer Awareness Month. One life lost to lung cancer is too many. Together, we can build a future where the devastation of lung cancer is no more."

The resolution highlights the need to increase public awareness campaigns, expand access to screening programs, and invest in life-saving research through federal agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Your input is requested for the Franklin MA Cable News Awareness Survey

Franklin TV, Franklin Public Radio, and Franklin Matters are working together striving to advance the greater good, bringing us together as a community, so that our focus is not on what divides us, but what brings us together. To that end, we need your help with the following survey questions. 

Please fill out (online -> https://bit.ly/FCCA_NewsSurvey ) or via paper copy (and send to Franklin TV) so we can evaluate our services for the community and enhance as necessary. 

Your thoughts are important to us. 

Thank you!

Your input is requested for the Franklin MA Cable News Awareness Survey

 

Have you seen the mock bedroom? Really seen it? (video)

SAFE Coalition's Jen Levine talks about the "Hidden In Plain Sight" exhibit

Request SAFE Coalition's Hidden in Plain Sight at your next parent/caregiver event. This interactive display and presentation teaches guardians how to identify substances within a teen's bedroom and how to have supportive, healthy discussions with their children about substance use.

Email info@safecoalitionma.org to schedule.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUq0QcFkwNA

Your input is requested for the Franklin MA Cable News Awareness Survey

Franklin TV, Franklin Public Radio, and Franklin Matters are working together striving to advance the greater good, bringing us together as a community, so that our focus is not on what divides us, but what brings us together. To that end, we need your help with the following survey questions. 

Please fill out (online -> https://bit.ly/FCCA_NewsSurvey ) or via paper copy (and send to Franklin TV) so we can evaluate our services for the community and enhance as necessary. 

Your thoughts are important to us. 

Thank you!

Your input is requested for the Franklin MA Cable News Awareness Survey

 

4th Annual vigil for International Overdose Awareness Day held on Town Common (audio)

FM #1267 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1267 in the series. 

This session shares the 4th Annual International Overdose Awareness Day vigil held on the Franklin Town Common on Saturday, August 31, 2024. 

SAFE Coalition co-founders, Jen Levine and Jim Derick welcomed the group. Jen spoke first and introduced Rev Jacob Juncker who led the group with a brief prayer. Meg spoke next of her recovery journey and the loss of her brother. Jim Derick spoke of his journey and the loss of his son. Rev Kathy McAdams closed with a prayer.

The group then lit candles, there were a few other remarks but my audio didn’t successfully pick those up. Franklin TV did record the event also. When the video is available, we’ll share that too.

The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1267-ioad-safe-vigil-08-31-24/

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International Overdose Awareness Day -> https://www.overdoseday.com/ 

SAFE Coalition -> https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ 

Photo album of the speakers at the event ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/dZHnpUwiWmqximfB9

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

4th Annual vigil for International Overdose Awareness Day held on Town Common (audio)

Franklin Commemorates Overdose Awareness Day with Community Vigil - August 31, 2024

International Overdose Awareness Day will be marked this year in Franklin with a community vigil from 6 PM to 7 PM on August 31 at Franklin Town Common. This annual event is intended to end overdose, remember those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of those left behind. 

The vigil is hosted by SAFE Coalition, a local nonprofit committed to inclusive and judgement-free support for substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery, and family support. SAFE and volunteers will also place memorial flags in Franklin, Norfolk, Plainville, and Wrentham. 

Jennifer Knight-Levine, CEO and co-founder of SAFE, says commemoration like IOAD is not just for those whose lives have been touched by overdose, but the entire community. “Losing a loved one to addiction can be isolating and deeply painful,” says Knight-Levine. “Coming together and building community with those who have felt a similar loss leaves everyone with a greater sense of connection and purpose.”

Franklin Commemorates Overdose Awareness Day with Community Vigil - August 31, 2024

The threat of overdose is both serious and urgent. Massachusetts experienced 2,125 fatal overdoses in 2023, making the state 15th in the nation for overdose deaths, according to the state’s Department of Health. The Center for Disease Control reports over 107,000 people died nationwide from overdose in 2023. 

According to Knight-Levine, the need for awareness-raising events like IOAD is more important than ever. 

“The opioid epidemic has dramatically changed how we think about prescribing practices, family medication history, and the power and role of pharmaceutical companies,” says Knight-Levine. “But it has most directly broken families and torn apart communities. This vigil is really a community formed to honor and remember those who have passed from an overdose.”

This year, thousands of communities worldwide will participate in IOAD, which was established in 2001. The theme of IOAD 2024 is “Together We Can,” highlighting the power of our community when we all stand together. 

Those wishing to volunteer with SAFE to place flags or help with the vigils can email info@safecoalitionma.org People can also participate by using the hashtags #TogetherWeCan #IOAD2024 #EndOverdose. 

With support groups, educational courses, events, training, support services and more, SAFE provides a whole-person, whole-family, whole-community approach to addiction, prevention, and recovery. To learn more about SAFE’s offerings or volunteer, visit the SAFE website -> https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

WHAT: Public vigil 

DATE: Saturday, Aug. 31

TIME: 6 PM to 7 PM

PLACE: Franklin Town Common

Town of Franklin: May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. 

1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness. 

If you or someone you know has a mental illness, is struggling emotionally, or has concerns about their mental health, use these resources to find help for yourself, a friend, or a family member: https://go.nih.gov/cka2JoU 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

 

Franklin Health Dept: April is World Autism Month

April is World Autism Month. 

About 1 in 36 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder. 

Learn more: cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html 

Franklin Health Dept: April is World Autism Month

 

Town of Franklin: April is Alcohol Awareness Month

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Watch for early warning signs in your teen of an alcohol problem:

Shared from -> https://niaaaforteens.niaaa.nih.gov/signs-problem 

Town of Franklin: April is Alcohol Awareness Month

And if you do know of someone that needs help, reach out to the SAFE Coalition ->   https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

Franklin Health Dept: December is National AIDS/HIV Awareness Month (video)

December is National AIDS/HIV Awareness Month. Without treatment, people with AIDS typically survive about three years. 

To learn more about the basics, prevention, treatment, and more visit: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/index.html 

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY1qi3bf-Os

December is National AIDS/HIV Awareness Month

FHS Diversity Awareness Club schedules "Geo Night" for Wednesday, May 17 from 5 to 8 PM

To end this school year, the Diversity Awareness Club is hosting their annual Geo Night! 

Join them for an after-school event where attendees have the opportunity to travel around the world, exploring a multitude of cultural backgrounds represented at FHS. We're so excited to celebrate with our community!

Students will share different aspects of their culture, including food items, art activities, clothing items, and artifacts. 

In addition, there will be local speakers and performances throughout the night! Join us in the cafeteria on Wednesday, May 17th, from 5-8 PM. 

Entrance fee is $5! We hope to see you there :)

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CsKWgy_OmMC/

HockomockSports.com selects Alfred Mucciarone, Franklin Baseball, as "Player of the Week"

"Franklin senior Alfred Mucciarone has been selected as the HockomockSports.com Player of the Week, presented by Morse Insurance, for April 3 through April 9. Mucciarone is the 23rd player chosen as Player of the Week for the 2022-23 school year and first in the spring season.

Mucciarone aced his opening outing of the season, allowing only an unearned run over five innings against Oliver Ames, helping Franklin get off to a winning start. The Div. 1 runners-up went 2-0 last week, outscoring their two opponents 22-1."

Continue reading the "Player of the Week" article on Mucciarone ->

https://hockomocksports.com/player-of-the-week-alfred-mucciarone-franklin-baseball/

HockomockSports.com selects Alfred Mucciarone, Franklin Baseball, as "Player of the Week"

FHS Diversity Club: "New this year, DAC attends faculty meetings at Franklin High!"

"New this year, DAC attends faculty meetings at Franklin High!

Each month, DAC representatives present on a new topic, with a focus on teacher reflection - We discuss how teachers at FHS can incorporate diverse representation into curriculum, be conscious of their impact on their students, and take similar steps in promoting respect and equality at Franklin High.

Check out the last few slides for our monthly representatives and topics we’ve covered so far this year. Speaking of, Happy Black History Month! :)

Presentations will be posted on our website, coming "   https://www.diversityawarenessclub.org/

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CoYfX9EOV-h/

"monthly representatives and topics we’ve covered so far this year"

Franklin Health Department: Weekly Wellness Update - Alzheimer's Awareness

Alzheimer's Awareness Month. " Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Together, we can make it happen."

The prevalence of Alzheimers in increasing, learn about ways to keep your mind healthy: https://www.alz.org/

A recent episode of The Topic featured a discussion on Alzheimer's and dementia with Health Director Cathleen Liberty and Tammy Pozerycki

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/the-topic-005-caring-for-dementia.html

Franklin Health Department: Weekly Wellness Update - Alzheimer's Awareness

Franklin Health Department: November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. 

Reduce your risk of lung cancer. 

Visit becomeanex.org, smokefree.gov, or call 800-784-8669 to get help to quit smoking

Other tobacco users and ex-smokers on their own quit journey share their smarts and lessons learned

SAFE Coalition asks you to join them WEDNESDAY for International Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day

In addition to our candle light vigil, we will be placing 2,290 purple flags on the Franklin, Wrentham, and Millis town commons. These 2,290 flags represent the number of lives lost on Massachusetts last year to an opioid overdose. Would you like to join us in placing the flags? I would like to volunteer! Copyright (C) 2022 SAFE Coalition. All rights reserved.. Our mailing address is: SAFE Coalition PO Box 434 Franklin, MA 02038-0434

Candlelight Vigil for Overdose Awareness Day - Aug 31 at 6:30 PM

Last year, an estimated 2290 Massachusetts community members lost their life to an #overdose. These community members were mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, neighbors, friends, and individuals who struggled deeply with the disease of addiction.

Join us for a candlelight vigil: Wednesday, August 31st for an evening of remembrance as we honor #InternationalOverdoseAwarenessDay

Wednesday August 31, 2022

6:30 - 8:00 PM

Franklin Town Common - 200 Main St, Franklin MA, 02038 

Candlelight Vigil for Overdose Awareness Day - Aug 31 at 6:30 PM